Are you ready?

That’s the question being asked by the Wānaka Community Response Group (WCRG) this month as it looks to help the community prepare for natural disasters or emergencies.

The group, which was formed last year, is targeting this month (November 2023) to create resilience in the local community in the event of severe storms, fire, and large earthquakes.

“We want people to be aware, make a plan, and remember family and safety first,” WCRG spokesperson Geoff McLeay said.

“Put aside emergency supplies, make your home safe, help us look after each other, and talk to your neighbours.”

Geoff said during the month each household in Wānaka will receive the Wānaka Community Emergency Preparedness leaflet which contains important information on what to do before, during and after an emergency.

“We’d like people to fold it in three and stick it on their fridge for ready reference,” Geoff said.

One of their main messages is to promote Otago Regional Council’s Otago Gets Ready programme.

The Otago Gets Ready website outlines what to do before, during, and after each type of emergency (earthquakes, floods, landslides, storms, tsunami and volcanoes).

The WCRG is part of a nationwide initiative to create resilience in local communities by helping people prepare for disasters and emergencies.

In a natural disaster or emergency, the WCRG will coordinate communication with Emergency Management Otago (EMO), and circulate information to assist the community and other emergency operatives.

A priority for the group is communication with the community during an emergency.

Geoff said the WCRG is staffed by volunteers and anyone interested in joining the Wānaka Community Response Group should contact Mick Hollyer on [email protected].

Community response plans are available for Wānaka, Lake Hāwea and Hāwea Flat, and Makarora.

Read more: ‘The cavalry isn’t coming’: emergency planning in the Upper Clutha

PHOTO: Wānaka App